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(BRADENTON) Each February and March, Bradenton comes alive during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ MLB Spring Training. Players, fans, and staff from around the world descend on this coastal city. It also sparks excitement among local businesses and the community as well. Bradenton’s Spring Training crowds are crucial to their success.
“It’s a big deal for us,” says LECOM Park worker Julie Alejo. “There’s a lot of excitement in Bradenton. There is an increase in revenue for businesses, sales, and restaurants.”
A ripple effect is created by the Pittsburgh Pirates training at LECOM Park, just north of downtown Bradenton. The influx of fans looking for food, drinks, and souvenirs benefits local restaurants, bars, and shops significantly. During the season, the city becomes a buzzing and energetic hub with many tourists coming in for the games. The benefits of Spring Training extend beyond established businesses.
Many people see it as an opportunity to earn extra income. In the neighborhood of LECOM Park, Ian Duwar operates a sports memorabilia stand. “It is my second year out here doing this,” Duwar explains, “I run a space here for Mr. Monty, and this is a side job for me. I work during the week, and this is just an extra side hustle job, and this helps some extra income.”
A boom in the economy is not just due to the Pittsburgh Pirates. While the Pirates take center stage in Bradenton, other MLB teams also train nearby. A number of teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves, and others, make their way to the Gulf Coast, bringing with them legions of loyal fans. Bradenton is flooded with out-of-town visitors, providing a boost to restaurants, shops, and accommodations. “It would be very slow in the afternoon right now without the Pirates in town,” says local business owner Tom Moe. “And all the other teams in the area bring in their fans also. So, it’s not just the Pittsburgh Pirates, but it’s all the teams in Major League Baseball.”
Sports tourism is a growing industry in the region that generates millions of dollars a year as a result of teams training across the region. There is an economic impact in every aspect of the game, from merchandise sales to food and drinks. It is crucial for Bradenton to maintain its vibrancy throughout the year by taking advantage of the excitement and financial boost that comes with MLB Spring Training.
In place of being just a team, the Pirates are a key driver of the local economy, helping to keep Bradenton bustling long after the spring season is over. With the Pirates continuing to call Bradenton home for Spring Training, the city can expect a boost in revenue and an annual sense of anticipation.